Political Director

Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC) seeks a strategic Political Director to guide the civic and electoral work for our nonprofit network of nine member groups across seven states. Our electoral programs are focused on organizing in rural and Indigenous communities across the West. The Political Director will be a critical part of our team working to build permanent electoral infrastructure to help build a bench of elected officials across our region to champion the policies our network prioritizes. If you have a passion for making change and building power with folks from all walks of life in the rural West, this job is for you!

WHO WE ARE

WORC is a regional network of ten grassroots community organizations in eight Western states. Our mission is to advance a vision of a democratic, sustainable, and just society through community action. For over four decades, WORC and our local and state-based member groups have been fighting for social change by organizing rural westerners to address long-term issues affecting their families, communities, and quality of life. WORC is nationally respected for our experience winning campaigns on clean energy, natural resources, food, and farm issues through community organizing, training, leadership development, and voter engagement. WORC’s network is committed to ushering long-term, ground-up change by building grassroots power through base-building and leadership development. Learn more about us here. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Political Director would be responsible for the following:

• Strategy: Lead the strategic direction of the Grassroots Democracy Program and help advise the strategy of our member groups' political and civic programs. 
• Compliance: Meet all legal and compliance regulations and requirements related to the electoral program.
• Program Execution: Lead state-based teams to execute electoral programs, this includes developing and maintaining campaign budgets, coordinating with vendors, and elevating our networks’ issues as election issues. 
• Management: Hire and supervise a Political Campaign Coordinator and other temporary staff during election years. 

• Networking and relationships: Support building and maintaining collaborative relationships across the WORC staff, network, and with other state, Tribal and national partners 

Network support: Provide political and civic strategic advice, support, training and tools to WORC’s nine-member groups

Requirements

WHO YOU ARE

• 3+ years of electoral experience, either in political campaigns, ballot issue campaigns, or nonpartisan civic engagement programs
• Knowledge of IRS nonprofit tax statuses and campaign finance laws and reporting systems 
• 3+ years of management-level experience
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills including experience developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of individuals
• Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to building personal and organizational equity and experience applying that commitment in a work environment
• Ability to work effectively with teams, especially when members are based in different locations  
• Committed to building long-term grassroots power through member-led community organizing and embraces WORC’s mission and guiding principles. 

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW

WORC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to staff diversity and cultivating and preserving a work environment that is built on the premise of equity. We welcome qualified people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. For more information about WORC, and to view our Equity Statement, visit our website at www.worc.org. 

• Preferably based in Billings, MT. A remote location within WORC’s region (CO, ID, MT, ND, NE, MT, OR, SD, or WY) will be considered for the right candidate. 
• You must be comfortable being managed and building relationships with our team remotely. 

This is a full time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $70-$80,000, based on experience with generous benefits including:

• 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance for employee and dependents, and optional employee-paid vision insurance and flexible spending account
• 20 paid vacation days
• 12 days sick/wellness leave
• 10 paid holidays
• Three months paid parental leave
• Opportunity to apply for a sabbatical after five years of employment
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• 401K with employer contribution
• Cell phone reimbursement

TO APPLY

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please tell us where you heard about the opening, what excites you about the job, and your preferred work location, as well as your most relevant experience, areas you may need to grow into, and any connections you have to WORC and the people in our network. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to applications received by November 29th. The ideal start date for this position is in January 2025 or sooner. The position will remain open until filled. For more information, please see www.worc.org.